A season filled with good tidings and cheer is kicking off with none other than Santa Claus himself when he made his annual debut at Scottsdale Fashion Square’s Palm Court Nov. 17.

From a series of special Santa experiences and family-friendly events to reward opportunities and seasonal music serenades, there’s plenty to help put shoppers in a festive holiday spirit now through Christmas Eve on Saturday, Dec. 24, a press release stated.

Those who pre-book a visit will receive a free personalized call from Santa powered by the Portable North Pole. Pre-booking saves time in line and helps families make the most of their visit with Santa.

Plan your visit and book your photo opp by visiting fashionsquare.com/SantaPhotos.

Santa is also inviting children with sensory needs to create their own magical moments during a Sensory Santa event from 10-11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4. During these specially scheduled visits, care will be taken to create a compassionate and supportive environment for children who benefit from a gentle touch, the release explained.

The sensory-friendly experience includes limited scheduling to lessen crowds and wait times, reduced music and comfortable lighting. Additionally, guests can donate to Autism Speaks at the checkout by “keeping the change” or adding $1, $3, $5 or $10 to their photo package purchase.

Four-legged family members can get in on the festivities, too, with Scottsdale Fashion Square’s Santa Paws Pet Photo experience for four-legged friends from 4 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 21, Nov. 28 and Dec. 5. Pet parents can deck out their “fur babies” in their holiday best and bring them out to share their holiday wish list with Santa before they “paws” to strike a pose.

Registration is available online and is highly recommended. Guests are invited to make a contribution to the Human Society of the United States with their photo package purchase.

Families can wind down each week this holiday season with Festive Fridays’ interactive holiday crafting and photo experiences featuring some of the season’s most beloved special guests. The weekly events are free with a receipt showing proof of a Santa Claus photo package or $20 donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The special guest lineup includes:

• Nov. 25 - North Pole Party with Mrs. Claus
• Dec. 2 – "Elf-stravaganza" with Buddy the Elf
• Dec. 9 – Snowman Soiree with Kristoff and Olaf
• Dec. 16 – Go Green with the Grinch

This holiday season, Macerich is challenging shoppers at its retail centers nationwide, including Scottsdale Fashion Square, to match its $50,000 pledge for a combined $100,000 contribution to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the release noted.

Within the local community, shoppers can extend the spirit of giving by answering angel wishes. Scottsdale Fashion Square is once again teaming up with the Salvation Army to host the Angel Tree program, which runs Nov. 17-Dec. 22.

Shoppers can pick up wish list tags and drop off new, unwrapped gifts Mondays-Thursdays 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m.-6 p.m. in the east wing near Sephora.

Additionally, shoppers will be treated to live musical performances by Sam Nelson & Stone in the Crystal Court from noon-3 p.m. on Nov. 25 and 26, and Dec. 3, 10, 17 and 19.

Piano enthusiasts will also enjoy Music at the Mall when Phoenix Music Teachers’ Association hosts their annual concert from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10, in the Nordstrom wing.

A full list and details of holiday events at Scottsdale Fashion Square are available at fashionsquare.com/holiday.